Plasma TV: Reviews

When it comes to features, Samsung has left little out of the 64-inch PN64D8000. This plasma TV's picture quality earns lots of praise from users, who say blacks are deep and satisfying. Color performance is unsurpassed,… expandwith one reviewer saying it's the benchmark against which all others will be measured. Critics say 3D performance is also excellent. Active-shutter 3D viewing glasses are an extra-cost option, but are cheaper than last year's glasses (starting at *Est. $50 each). Internet streaming is robust, with most major content providers available and the promise of lots of interesting add-ons via the available app store. Nice touches include a web browser that's fine for light duty, Skype support and the ability to stream content from your computer to your TV. Getting and using all of the content is made easier by the built-in Wi-Fi and a remote that includes a full QWERTY keyboard on its underside. This TV is also available in 51-inch and 59-inch screen sizes. collapse

According to experts and owners, sets in the Samsung PND6500 series of plasma TVs -- including the 59-inch Samsung PN59D6500 -- offer a nearly unbeatable combination of picture quality, features and value. Blacks aren't… expandas deep as the very best plasma TVs, but other aspects of image quality -- especially color performance -- are excellent. All of the features buyers expect from a high-end plasma TV are found in these models, including active-shutter 3D. There are lots of options to stream content from the Internet and from your computer, and Wi-Fi is built in. Like most plasma TVs, performance is best in rooms that are not sunny or otherwise well lit. The TV is also available in a 51-inch screen size. collapse

If getting the very best plasma TV picture is of paramount importance, your shopping list begins and ends with sets in the Panasonic TC-PVT30 series. Black levels that are the deepest and most satisfying seen since… expandPioneer's Kuro plasma TVs went out of production are the big reason why. Color is also excellent, though the set's THX mode, which replicates movie-theater picture quality, is best appreciated in a darkened room. Like all high-end TVs, streaming from the Internet or your personal computer is part of the lineup of features, though sets from some other makers offer more content partners. 3D works well, but the required glasses are expensive. Styling earns this plasma TV plenty of praise. A 65-inch version is also available. collapse

If you want an affordable, feature-packed set with picture quality that approaches -- though never quite reaches -- that of the most expensive plasma TVs, Panasonic's TC-P50ST30 could be right for you. Blacks don't… expandmeasure up to sets in Panasonic's TC-PVT30 series, but critics say the differences are pretty subtle. Color is also good, though you might have to do a bit of work to adjust it in to your liking. Motion artifacts are seen, but it bothers some reviewers more than others. Notable features include this year's -- and last year's -- hot attractions, 3D and streaming Internet video, and experts say those work better than ever. Most reviewers say that the balance of performance, features and price makes this set a winner in the value department. Sets in the TC-P50ST30 come in a variety of screen sizes, starting at 42 inches and topping out at 65 inches. collapse

The 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42X3 is a pretty attractive proposition for plasma TV buyers on a budget. Unlike most budget sets, the TC-P42X3 is not devoid of features. Although 3D is not offered, you can stream content from… expandyour computer or from a limited number of video, audio and other content providers on the Internet. Picture quality is pretty good as well, with black levels that are a step above other sets in its price class. Opinions about color performance are mixed. One well-regarded reviewer is disappointed, but others -- including most owners -- have nothing but praise for it. The resolution is only 720p; many experts say that's fine for a screen size like this but it might be more problematic in the bigger screen sizes in the series, 46 and 50 inches. collapse